Background: Electronic cigarettes are used to deliver nicotine to consumers. E-cigarettes are claimed to be an alternative method for smoking cessation. The use of electronic cigarettes is increasing among young people, especially current and former smokers. It is unknown what the harm or benefit that result from e-cigarettes’ use of the individuals on the well-being.

Purpose: This study was conducted to explore the prevalence of e-cigarettes use and exposure among college-based health care students. Also to assess the awareness level and beliefs in regard to electronic cigarettes use among the college-based health care students.

Methods: 217 college-based health care undergraduate students from nursing, nutrition and respiratory therapy programs were surveyed in this study. The survey was composed of 17 questions in regards to the awareness, prevalence of e-cigarettes use and beliefs about e-cigarettes use. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA. A significance level was set at 0.05.

Results: The response rate was 98.1%, 87% of the respondents were female and 70% were between the ages of 19-25 years. Most of the respondents were nursing students (47.5%); followed by nutrition students (29.5%); and respiratory therapy students (23%). Most of the respondents were non-smokers (83.4%); former smokers were 13.8%; and smokers were 2.8%. Almost all the respondents had heard of e-cigarettes (99.5%), and 21.2% had tried e-cigarettes at least once in their lifetime. The mean awareness score was 5.1 (SD 0.11); smokers showed the highest mean awareness score of 6.0±2.28. The majority of the participants disagreed that e-cigarettes are less dangerous than traditional cigarettes or can help smokers to quit; and more than half of the participants disagreed that e-cigarettes are used only by smokers. There was a significant difference among male (5.71±1.51) and female (5.03±1.71) in regards to the e-cigarettes awareness level (p=0.047). The awareness level was significantly different among respondents who had previously used e-cigarettes (5.63±1.49) than participants who have not tried e-cigarettes at least once during their lifetime (4.98±1.72) (p=0.021)

Conclusion: This study found that most of the students in the college of nursing and health professions were not e-cigarettes’ users. People who have tried e-cigarettes, have friends who have tried e-cigarettes as well. Furthermore, curiosity is the major reason that led them to try e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes’ awareness is high among smokers and e-cigarettes’ users; older students seem to have higher awareness than younger students. There were general disagreements on the use of e-cigarettes as a less dangerous alternative to tobacco cigarettes to help smokers to quit. Finally, male and female participants showed significant differences in their awareness of e-cigarettes.

]]>
Abdullah Mayof AlanaziThe Perceived Impact of International Educational Experiences in the United States on Saudi Respiratory Therapistshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/32
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/32Tue, 19 Apr 2016 08:32:55 PDTBACKGROUND: Rapid changes in healthcare and science have enhanced the need for international educational experiences (IEE). Despite the importance of IEE in healthcare, there is a lack of literature in this area of research specifically relating to respiratory therapy. Therefore, it is important to assess the perceived impact of IEE in the United States on RT students in order to evaluate the need for developing international educational opportunities in the field of respiratory therapy. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess Saudi RT international students’ perception of the impact of IEE on their lives experiences. METHODS: Data were collected through a descriptive survey using a modified version of the international education survey (IES). The survey was emailed to all RT members of the Saudi Society for Respiratory Care (SSRC). Four main dimensions were assessed: Professional RT role, global understanding, personal development, and intellectual development. Excluded from the study were non-Saudi RTs and RTs with no IEE from the United States. RESULTS: Nineteen responses met the exclusion criteria of the study and were excluded. The total adjusted number of participants was sixty-two (n=62) out of (N=534) emailed surveys. The study response rate was 15.17%. Just over half of participants hold a graduate degree in RT while 48.4% hold an undergraduate degree in RT. Female participants accounted for 12.9% of all participants while male participants accounted for 87.1%. The study revealed that “professional RT role” was the most impacted area of IEE for RT undergraduate students (M 5.48, ± 1.4). The study showed that “global understanding” was the most impacted area of IEE for graduate RT students (M 5.4, SD of ± 0.84). The study findings showed that there is a moderately significant positive correlation between the duration of IEEs and the impact of RT professional role (r=0.426; p=0.001). Moreover, the study findings indicated that IEEs had a higher but insignificant influence on former international RT students’ perceptions of impact than current students. Conclusion: IEE had a large overall impact on participant’s lives experiences. The study findings support the value of promoting IEEs in the United States for RT students due to its perceived positive impact on internationalization of healthcare. Further studies with higher number of participants, different cultural backgrounds, and different IEE destinations is recommended.
]]>
Hassan Y. AbuNurahEvaluation of Clinical Facilities in term of Clinical Learning Environment, Supervisory Relationship,and Roles of Clinical Instructorhttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/31
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/31Tue, 19 Apr 2016 08:32:47 PDTBACKGROUND: Clinical facilities are essential components not only for health care delivery systems but also for health care education programs. The clinical learning environment is important in training the future workforce in healthcare. Respiratory therapy education programs face several issues with the need to prepare a proper learning environment in different clinical settings. PURPOSE: The purpose ofthis study was to determine the perceptions of respiratory therapy students on the learning environment of clinical facilities affiliated with a respiratory therapy program at an urban state university. METHODS: This study used an exploratory research design to evaluate the essential aspects of a clinical learning environment in respiratory therapy education. A self-reporting survey was utilized to gather data from 34 respiratory therapy students regarding their perception about the effectiveness of clinical facilities in respiratory therapy education. The researcher utilized The Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher (CLES+T) evaluation scale that was developed by Sarrikoski et al. (2008). The CLES+T evaluation scale was adapted and modified after a written agreement from the author. The survey included three main domains, which are the clinical learning environment (18 items), the supervision relationship (15 items), and the role of clinical instructors (9 items). Thirty-two students participated in the survey with a response rate of 94.1%. RESULTS: Responses included two groups of students: the second year undergraduate (68.8%) and graduate students (31.3%), with 75% being female participants. The results obtained from the study indicated that both graduate and undergraduate respiratory therapy students gave high mean scores to the learning environment of the clinical facilities, supervisory relationship and the roles of clinical instructors. A statistically significant data was obtained pertaining to the difference of perceptions regarding the multi-dimensional learning between the graduate and undergraduate students. The graduate students evaluated that “the learning situation are multi-dimensional” more than the undergraduate students (p = 0.03). Findings of this study showed that female students had higher ratings than male students in all evaluations of clinical facilities. However, only one dimension of leadership style stating that “the effort of individual employees was appreciated” was statistically significant (p=0.03). The results stating, the presence of a significant percentage of the students with lack of successful private supervision and high percentage of failed supervisory relationship, are in contrast with the fact that clinical learning plays a vital role in the respiratory therapy education. It is also contrasting that majority of the students experienced team supervision, which is against the philosophy and principles of individualization. CONCLUSION: Since respiratory therapy is a practice-based profession, it is essential to integrate clinical education to respiratory care education. Gender and education level may impact students’ perceptions about the learning environment of clinical facilities. This study provides information about areas for improvement in clinical facilities affiliated with a respiratory care education program at an urban university.
]]>
Saeed M. AlghamdiRespiratory Therapy Administrators’ Perceptions of Effective Teaching Characteristics of Clinical Preceptors in Metro-Atlanta Hospitalshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/30
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/30Wed, 09 Dec 2015 07:25:29 PST
RESPIRATORY THERAPY ADMINISTRATORS’ PERCEPTIONS OF EFFECTIVE TEACHING CHARACTERISTICS OF CLINICAL PRECEPTORS IN METRO-ATLANTA HOSPITALS

By

Abdulelah Aldhahir, BSRT, RRT-NPS

(Under the Advisement of Dr. Douglas S. Gardenhire)

ABSTRACT

Clinical preceptors in respiratory therapy (RT) face a great deal of expectations from schools, students, and colleagues. They are expected to possess effective teaching skills and qualities that signify their knowledge, expertise, and professionalism. Thus, it is important to identify and distinguish effective teaching characteristics of present RT clinical preceptors, which will influence the clinical success of RT students and reflect the efficiency of RT administrators. PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to determine the effective teaching characteristics of clinical preceptors that are perceived to be most and least important according to RT administrators in select Metro-Atlanta hospitals. METHODS: A descriptive survey was utilized to gather data. The survey was an adaptation of previous RT studies and was emailed to all RT administrators of a convenience sample. The survey was composed of three general domains, professional competence, relationship with the students, and personal attributes. Moreover, thirty-five behavioral teaching characteristics were provided based on a five-point Likert scale. It was ranked according to each characteristic’s importance. RESULTS: A survey response rate of 55.4% was achieved. Female participants accounted for 47.22% of all participants, while male participants account for 52.78%. Managers were the largest position group of administrators (25%), followed by directors (19.4%), assistant managers (16.7%), educational coordinators (16.7), supervisors (16.7) and others (5.5%) represented as a clinical preceptor and a clinical specialist. The teaching characteristics found to be the most important, “showing genuine interest in patients and their care” and “demonstrates skills, attitudes and values that are developed by students in the clinical area (Role modeling)” obtained the highest ranking from all participants with overall mean scores and S.D of (M 4.83, S.D ±0.37). Other important teaching characteristics include responding promptly, demonstrating good communication skills, and facilitate critical thinking during clinical practice were ranked highest by the managers. Meanwhile, supervisors perceived that being approachable, supportive and helpful, facilitates critical thinking in clinical practice, as well as showing competence in clinical skills were most important. On the other hand, educational coordinators perceive demonstration of skills, attitudes, and values that are developed by students in the clinical area (role modeling) are seen as most significant. Lastly, assistant managers perceive role modeling, the ability to communicate knowledge and skills to the students for safe practice, and facilitating students’ awareness of their professional responsibility as the most important characteristics. CONCLUSION: RT administrators in Metro-Atlanta hospitals agree that (role modeling) and showing genuine interest in patients and their care are the most effective teaching characteristics of clinical preceptors. RT administration differs by title in their ranking of clinical preceptors’ effective clinical characteristics.

]]>
Abdulelah AldhahirRespiratory Therapy Student Perception of Patient Simulation Education at a Large Urban Universityhttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/29
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/29Wed, 09 Dec 2015 07:20:29 PSTBackground: Patient simulations have become a basis of training for numerous health care professions. In the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT), it has been proven to influence and motivate the students in proactively participating in learning through the use of clinical demonstrations and technology. However, there remains a limited number of studies that investigate the impact of simulation in RT. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of RT students at an urban university on what they have learned from their patient simulation sessions. METHODS: A self-reporting descriptive survey was used. It was a modification of the Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning NLN/Laerdal Research tool. The participants included 34 undergraduate and graduate RT students from the Georgia State University. RESULTS: With a response rate of 88.2%, the majority of the RT students were satisfied with their present learning and felt supportive of simulation experience, availability and access to various learning materials and activities, simulation as their motivation, and the way instructors taught the simulation. It also revealed that self-confidence and enthusiasm in learning increased with simulation activities. Majority of RT students perceive simulation education as a helpful and effective teaching method (x̅ 3.13 SD ± 0.73). RT students perceive developing the skills and obtaining the required knowledge from simulation to perform necessary tasks in the clinical setting as the most important clinical benefit they acquire from simulation education (x̅ 3.16, SD ± 0.74). The RT students also believe it is their responsibility to learn what is needed to know from simulation activity and they agree that they know how to get help when they do not understand the concepts covered in the simulation (x̅ 3.53, SD ± .50). CONCLUSION: RT students agree that patient simulations are beneficial and effective as a supportive learning method in their learning. They also agreed that simulation activities increase their self-confidence and enthusiasm in learning, but further research and studies about simulations should be encouraged in order to determine its future importance in preparing future RT professionals in real clinical settings and clinical exploration.
]]>
Abdullah AlqarniClinical Instructors’ Perceptions of Effective Student Behavioral Characteristics Among Respiratory Therapy Students in the State of Georgiahttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/28
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/28Wed, 09 Dec 2015 07:20:28 PSTClinical Instructors’ Perceptions of Effective Student Behavioral Characteristics Among Respiratory Therapy Students in the State of Georgia

By Yousef Aldabayan (Under the Direction of Dr. Lynda T. Goodfellow)

ABSTRACT

Background: Student behavioral characteristics are perceived to be crucial factors in developing and nurturing desirable qualities of future professionals. Similar to how respiratory therapy (RT) clinical instructors (CIs) are expected to possess great teaching skills, it is significant to determine the effective student behavioral characteristics among RT students in order to identify what motivates them and what qualities influence their clinical success in relation to the perceptions of RT CIs. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify and acknowledge the effective behavioral characteristics of RT students based on what the RT CIs in the State of Georgia perceive to be most and least important. METHODS: A descriptive survey was used to collect data. The survey was modified and later emailed to all RT CIs and registered proactive members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), according to their website. The descriptive survey was composed of four main domains, including professional competence, relationship with the CI, personal attributes, and the perceptions of CIs and its role in their motivation to teach. Forty-one behavioral characteristics were revealed on a five-point Likert scale based on importance. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-four responses were received out of the eight hundred surveys emailed to the CIs, with a response rate of 23%. Most of the respondents specified a bachelor degree as their highest degree. From the list of student behavioral characteristics, “Show genuine interest in patients and their care” in clinical was perceived as the most important student behavioral characteristic (M 4.67, S.D ± .57). However, the RT students’ need to “be honest and direct to the CIs” was determined to be the most important behavioral characteristic (M 4.40, S.D ±0.70). In addition, to “demonstrate effective communications skills” was determined as the most important characteristic in the personal attributes domain (M 4.5, S.D ±0.56). Lastly, the “CIs stay motivated to teach and assist students when faced with acceptable student behaviors” was the most important domain of CIs’ perceptions of student behavioral characteristic that motivates them to teach, (M 4.38, S.D ±0.67). CONCLUSION: RT CIs from the list of active AARC members agreed that showing genuine interest in patients and their care was the most effective student behavioral characteristic among RT students in the State of Georgia. According to these findings, it is highly suggested that RT clinical students should work hard in improving their behaviors and attitudes toward their CIs to increase their motivation in achieving their goals in clinical learning.

BACKGROUND: A crucial area of professional respiratory therapy (RT) education is clinical training. The aim of this study is to determine the perceptions of both clinical instructors (CIs) and baccalaureate degree RT students on the effective characteristics of CIs working at three universities in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: 141RT students and 15 CIs in the Department of Respiratory Therapy at Prince Sultan Military College Of Health Sciences, University Of Dammam, King Saud University Of Health Sciences in Saudi Arabia were surveyed in this study. The survey participants were asked to rank the teaching characteristics of CIs according to its importance. The survey questions were composed of 18 teaching behaviors ranked on a five-point Likert scale (5: most important, 4: important, 3: neutral/uncertain, 2: less important and 1:unimportant). Descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test were used for data analysis. A significance level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS: The response rate of this study was 71% for RT students and 72% for CIs, respectively. Sixty-eight percent of the students were male, while thirty-two percent were female students. Also, thirty-three percent (33%) of CIs were male, and sixty-seven percent consisted of female CIs. Although both RT students and CIs ranked “competency on demonstrating knowledge” as the most important teaching characteristic of CIs, the rest of their ranking showed differences. While the first 3 ranking of CIs included only teaching competencies of CIs, RT students ranked competency, evaluation skills and teaching ability of CIs as the most important teaching characteristics of CIs. According to RT students and CIs participated in this study, 4:1 is the best student:clinical instructor ratio for optimum clinical learning experience in respiratory therapy education in Saudi Arabia. Also, ranking obtained from junior and senior RT students were statistically different in seven out of the eighteen teaching characteristics of CIs (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Competence on demonstrating knowledge was identified as the leading characteristics of CIs by RT students and CIs. However, their ranking on teaching characteristics of CIs differs. There are significant differences between the perceptions of junior and senior RT students on effective teaching characteristics of CIs. Further research is warranted.

]]>
Fahad AlahmadiRespiratory Therapists’ Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes Regarding MERS-CoV Disastershttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/26
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/26Tue, 17 Nov 2015 09:26:16 PST
To understand the impact of recurrent pandemics such as MERS-CoV on Respiratory Therapists (RTs) behavior and commitment has become an extremely important and relevant exercise because of the unprecedented MERS-CoV occurrences in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study was to assess RTs knowledge, attitudes, and skills, in order to examine the differences in RTs readiness level, training status, and the association and during MERS-CoV disasters.

Method used Cross-sectional survey. A web-link survey was emailed to Saudi Society for Respiratory Care (SSRC) members, (N 750). The survey consisted of two parts: knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and the readiness to come to work. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS 23.0.

Findings showed a significant difference between the different levels of work positions (p = 0.027), a gender and work position (p = 0.012). There was a significant moderate correlation between readiness to work and knowledge (r = .407, p < 0.05), a significant low correlation between readiness to work and skills (r = 0.261, p = .05). There was a significant substantial correlation between skills and knowledge (r = .521, p < 0.05).

In conclusion, this study showed the importance of establishes effective disaster health bureaucracy by performs periodic health policy analysis for epidemic and pandemic influenza. It called for planning, preparedness to respond effectively using all hazard-approach for potential influenza disasters. It revealed the significance of capability building for first line responders in term of HCWs Check-list education and training programs. Moreover, it supported the establishment of independent local CDC and Disaster Management panel. It recommended flexible bureaucracy and leadership enhancement for HCWs strike teams to increase likelihood success in response for unconventional scenarios.

BACKGROUND:RT was primarily introduced in Saudi Arabia by military hospitals beginning in the late 1970s. Currently, Saudi Arabia does not have a certification board for RT and, therefore, all of the RTs in Saudi Arabia who graduated from national colleges do not have credentials. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the need for developing a board for RT in Saudi Arabia, and also to determine how Saudi RTs perceived the value of certification board for RT. METHODS: Data were collected through a descriptive survey. The survey was used to examine the assessment of need to develop SBRT, and to determine how Saudi RTs perceived the value of certification. The web- link survey was e-mailed to all RTs who are member of the Saudi Society for Respiratory Care (SCRC), which has total of 750 members. The survey consisted of two parts: Assessment of need for SBRT, and perceived value certification tool (PVCT). RESULTS: two hundreds and forty responded with a response rate of 32%. Eighty percent of the participants were male, and 18% were female. Fifty three percent of the participants identified themselves as credentialed RTs, and 46% participants were non-credentialed RTs. The participants’ degree level reported was Associate degree (13%), Bachelor’s degree (63%), Master’s degree (21%), and Doctoral degree (3%). Ninety percent of the participants work for the government institutions, whereas 10 % work for the private institutions. There was no statistically significant difference at the level of 0.05 between credentialed RTs and non-credentialed in terms of the perception towards the development of SBRT (z = -1.81, p= .071). There is also no statistically significant difference between credentialed and non-credentialed (p =. 779) at the level of .05 in terms of how they perceived the certification value. CONCLUSION: These findings can provide SRTs the opportunity to promote and discuss the development of the KSA certification board within the field of RT.

]]>
Khalid S. AlwadeaiCultural Competency Among Undergraduate and Graduate Respiratory Therapy Studentshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/24
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/24Mon, 03 Aug 2015 13:20:24 PDTBackground: In the United States, minorities are numerous and account for 28% of the population. It is well known that some of the cultural elements are related to the patients’ health. Therefore, it is an obligation of healthcare providers to become culturally competent to improve minorities’ overall healthcare.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the cultural attitudes, skills, and knowledge of undergraduate and graduate respiratory therapy (RT) students at an urban university located in the southeastern United States.

METHODS: The study used a descriptive exploratory design with a self-reporting survey. The survey instrument used was a short version of the Cultural Competence Self-Assessment “ASK” (Attitude–Skills–Knowledge) Scale. The survey was administered to a convenience sample of first and second-year BSRT and MSRT students attending an accredited RT program. The survey consisted of 24 items on a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test.

RESULTS: Fifty-three students were surveyed; around two-thirds of the respondents were female. Sixty-eight percent of respondents were BSRT and 22% were MSRT students. First-year students accounted for 56.6% of the respondents and second-year students accounted for 43.4%. The majority of the respondents were under the age of 25. The respondents reported to be ready to practice in the attitude and skills subscale (4.49±.49, 4.20±.62 respectively) but they need practice based on the knowledge subscale (3.80±.86). The statistically significant findings were found between first-year and second-year respondents in the skills subscale, knowledge subscale, and the total scale. However, there were no statistically significant difference between BSRT and MSRT students.

CONCLUSION: This study found that respondents made progress throughout the RT program. Also, it found that level of education has no effect on cultural competency. This may be because student’s level of cultural competence improves as they advance in their clinical course work and their educational training. The results may assist RT educators to recognize the students’ needs for more information to improve their cultural competency.

]]>
Ziyad AlshehriRespiratory Therapy Faculty’ Perceptions of Effective Teaching Characteristics of Clinical Instructors in the State of Georgiahttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/23
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/23Fri, 01 May 2015 14:10:26 PDTBackground: Clinical instructors are expected to be excellent practitioners with great teaching skills. They play a vital role in teaching the next generation of respiratory therapists (RTs). Because clinical instructors impact the learning process of teaching the next generation, it is important to identify the effective teaching characteristics that contribute to the clinical success of the student from the perspective of RT faculty. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify effective behavioral teaching characteristics of clinical instructors that are deemed most and least important by RT faculty in the State of Georgia. METHODS: Data were collected through a descriptive survey. The survey was adapted and emailed to all RT faculty members listed on The Georgia Society for Respiratory Care (GSRC) website. The survey consisted of three main domains: professional competence, relationship with students, and personal attributes. Thirty-five behavioral teaching characteristics were presented on a five-point Likert scale according to importance. RESULTS: Nineteen responses were received out of forty emailed surveys, with a response rate of 47.5%. The majority of participants indicated a master degree as their highest degree. Almost 58% of the participants teach at programs that offer associate degree. The study findings indicated faculty members’ perceptions ranking of the most important behavioral teaching characteristics hold a lot of similarities and some differences. Among all provided teaching characteristics, “Facilitate critical thinking in clinical practice was perceived as the most important behavioral teaching characteristic with mean scores and S.D of (M 4.89, S.D ±0.31), respectively. In the domain of relationship with students, “Encourage students to feel free to ask questions or ask for help” was ranked the highest by the participants with a mean of 4.57 and S.D of ±0.50. In the personal attributes domain, “Able to collaborate with other disciplines” was ranked as the most important characteristic with mean scores and S.D respectively (M 4.68, S.D ±0.47). CONCULSION: Faculty from different program levels (associate, baccalaureate and master) agreed that “Facilitate critical thinking in clinical practice” was the most important characteristic. Based on these findings, it is highly recommend that clinical instructors strive to improve their attitudes toward students as the best way to achieve the goals of clinical teaching. They also showed the need for respiratory therapy programs to foster and to promote uniformly identified effective behavioral teaching characteristics.
]]>
Rayan SirajStudents’ Perceptions of Using Simulation In Respiratory Therapy Programhttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/22
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/22Fri, 01 May 2015 14:05:25 PDT
Respiratory therapy graduate students are going to face a clinical environment that commands greater responsibility and culpability than in years past. Therefore, respiratory therapy educators must prepare graduates for the multidimensional demands of the workplace. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the perception of the undergraduate respiratory therapy (BSRT) and integrated graduate respiratory therapy (MSRT) students in the implementation of simulation in the educational laboratory setting. METHODS: Data were collected through a descriptive survey. The survey was distributed to a convenience sample of first year BSRT and MSRT students attending an accredited respiratory therapy program at an urban public research university in the southeast United States. The survey consisted of 10 questions presented in a four-point Likert-type scale to obtain students’ perceptions regarding their simulation experience. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Thirty-two students were surveyed, more than two-thirds of the participants were female. Approximately seventy-one percent of respondents were BSRT, females accounted for 87% and males 13%. Graduate MSRT were 28.1% of the total sample with 44.4% females and 55.6% males. More than two-thirds of MSRT students reported previous clinical experience while BSRT students reported less than one-quarter. Additionally, only two students from BSRT indicated that they have previous simulation experience, whereas more than half of MSRT students reported previous simulation experience. The study findings indicate BSRT and MSRT students’ overall perceptions are similar, however, both perceive the experience of nervousness differently. BSRT students indicated high agreement with the statement that they experienced nervousness during the simulation with mean = 3.52 (SD ± .51). MSRT students indicated high agreement with the statement that simulation was a valuable learning experience with mean = 3.33 (SD ± .70). Both of BSRT & MSRT students agreed that simulation should continue to be an integral part of the respiratory therapy program. MSRT students demonstrated higher agreement with mean = 3.55 (SD ± .72). Finally, the majority of responses to a debriefing session after simulation experience supported their understanding and reasoning were positive from both BSRT & MSRT students with means respectively = 3.39 (SD ± .65), and 3.55, (SD ± .52). CONCLUSION: Respiratory therapy educators continue to strive to enhance respiratory therapy students’ clinical reasoning, transference of theory to clinical practice, skills acquisition, and critical thinking. Use of simulation is essential to achieve these objectives. The results of this study support the implementation of simulation course in the curriculum as a mandatory requirement prior to clinical practice as evidenced by positive responses from students. Although students felt positively that simulation should be continued in the curriculum, they did not feel it should totally substitute for all clinical experiences.
]]>
Ahmad AlhaykanRespiratory Therapy Students’ Perceptions of Effective Teaching Characteristics of Clinical Instructors at an Urban Universityhttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/21
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/21Thu, 13 Nov 2014 13:35:28 PST
Clinical instructors may have a negative or positive effect on student’s clinical practice. The behavioral characteristics of respiratory therapy clinical instructors are vital to the success of student’s clinical learning experience. Therefore, respiratory therapy student’s perception of the effectiveness of the clinical instructor’s behavior is an important indicator to modify and facilitate effective clinical instruction. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the most effective clinical teaching behaviors (ECTB) perceived by undergraduate respiratory therapy (BSRT) and integrated graduate respiratory therapy (MSRT) students and to identify any similarities in their rankings. METHODS: The study used descriptive exploratory design with a self-reporting survey. The survey was administered to a convenience sample of first and second year BSRT and MSRT students attending an accredited respiratory therapy program at an urban university located in the southeastern United States. The survey consisted of 35 teaching behaviors presented on a five-point Likert scale according to importance. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Seventy-two students were surveyed, more than two-thirds of the respondents were female. Seventy-five percent of respondents studied were BSRT, which females accounted for 78% and males 22%. Graduate MSRT studied were 25% of the total sample with females and males equally split at 50%. Two thirds of MSRT students reported previous education with BSRT students reporting less than one-quarter. The study findings indicate BSRT and MSRT students’ perceptions ranking of the most important behavioral characteristics hold similarities but both perceive the ordered rank of importance differently. Both BSRT and MSRT students ranked “be approachable” as the most important clinical behavioral characteristic with mean scores and S.D respectively (M 4.89, S.D ±0.37, and M 4.94, S.D ±0.24). Additionally, BSRT students rank the characteristic “respect student as an individual” (M 4.87, S.D ±0.34) next significant while MSRT students rank “demonstrate self-control & patience” (M 4.94, S.D ±0.23) the next highest. CONCLUSION: Although BSRT and MSRT students’ perceptions demonstrated similarities, mean scores data between first year and second year show a shift in ranking between characteristics. This may be because student’s perceptions could change as they advance in their clinical course work or their past educational experience. In addition, the results may assist respiratory therapy clinical instructors to appreciate students’ views and acknowledge areas of success as well as areas needing improvement.
]]>
Ali M. AlasmariSurvey of the Knowledge and Confidence of Respiratory Therapy Students Regarding Tobacco Smoking and Respiratory Diseaseshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/20
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/20Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:40:40 PST
SURVEY OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE OF RESPIRATORY THERAPY STUDENTS REGARDING TOBACCO SMOKING AND RESPIRATORY DISEASES

by

Delano S. DuCasse

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco abuse is the main cause of illness and avoidable death in the world (World Health Organization, 2010). Smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 443,000 American lives each year, including those affected indirectly, such as babies born prematurely due to prenatal maternal smoking and victims of "secondhand" exposure to tobacco’s carcinogens (American Lung Association, 2011). Of all healthcare providers, respiratory therapists are most often in contact with patients that are diagnosed with smoking related diseases. Therefore, students entering into the field should be well equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitude to educate patients about the importance of smoking prevention and cessation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ knowledge and confidence regarding tobacco addiction and cessation following enrollment in a pulmonary disease course.

METHODS: Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree respiratory therapy program at a southeastern university were surveyed prior to and following a required pulmonary disease course. Participation was completely voluntary and no incentives to participate were offered. A total of 31 students participated in the pre-tobacco education survey on January 24, 2013 and 24 students participated in the post-tobacco survey on April 29, 2013.

DATA ANALYSIS: The data was analyzed using SPSS 19.0. Descriptive statistics to include frequencies and percentages were used to evaluate the RT student’s responses to survey questions.

RESULTS: Majority of the students only had 1 to 2 hours of lecture that focused on tobacco smoking. The actual tobacco education they received was not a clear cut topic within the pulmonary disease course itself; the topic tobacco smoking was only mentioned under diseases processes such as, COPD and Lung Cancer. The RT students’ confidence levels slightly improved after being enrolled in the pulmonary disease course. The pre surveyed RT students’ average was 55.5%, and the post surveyed average was 69.8%.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, the content of tobacco education within the school’s curriculum is inadequate. With respiratory therapists mostly coming in contact with patients suffering from smoking related diseases, topics that include tobacco smoking and cessation should be included more in respiratory therapy school’s curriculum.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and asthma most commonly affect African American children in the United States. SCD is an inherited disorder and one of the most prevalent genetic diseases worldwide. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a common complication associated with significant morbidity and is the leading cause of death among patients with sickle cell disease. Asthma is associated with an increase in SCD-related morbidity. Length of stay is a factor in determining costs and management of healthcare resources to this pediatric patient population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to retrospectively investigate the length of stay for patients who have asthma, acute chest syndrome, and those with both asthma and acute chest syndrome in a pediatric population at an urban hospital. METHODS: A retrospective study using existing data from an urban tertiary children’s hospital inpatient unit between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. DATA ANALYSIS: Data analysis was performed using SPSS 17.0. Descriptive statistics were run for each variable. Contingency tables were run to determine if a patient’s age and diagnosis had significance on the hospital length of stay. Intercorrelations were run to determine if age, diagnosis, and length of stay had an effect on each other. Davis conventions were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics indicated the mean age at discharge to be 7.02 years old, SD = +4.695 and mean length of stay 2.57 days. The data also indicated that the mean LOS for asthma 2.32 days, SD = +1.773, mean LOS for acute chest syndrome 3.79 days, SD = +2.239, and a mean LOS for both asthma and acute chest syndrome 3.81 days, SD = +3.172. Contingency statistics showed a negligible association (reta = 0.071) between the patient’s age and diagnosis, and a low association (reta = 0.275) between the diagnosis and length of stay. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients showed that the patient’s age at discharge had a low association with length of stay (r = 0.238, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The pediatric patient’s age and diagnosis had very little impact of their length of stay within the hospital. The data also demonstrated that the patient population tended to be black, younger, have asthma as a discharge diagnosis, length of stay of less than 3 days, with a fairly even representation of males and females. Asthma represented the shortest length of stay, followed by acute chest syndrome, and then those patients with both asthma and acute chest syndrome, possibly suggesting that patients with co-morbidities have longer lengths of hospital stays.

Methods: A breath simulator was set to preterm infant settings (VT: 9 ml, RR: 50 bpm and Ti: 0.5 sec) and connected to the trachea of an anatomical upper airway model of a preterm infant (DiBlasi) via collecting filter distal to the trachea. The HFNC (Fisher & Paykel), Bubble CPAP (Fisher & Paykel), and SiPAP (Carefusion) were attached to the model via their proprietary nasal cannula and set to deliver 5 cm H2O pressure. Albuterol sulfate (2.5 mg/0.5 mL) was aerosolized with a mesh nebulizer (Aeroneb Solo) positioned (1) proximal to the patient and (2) prior to the humidifier (n=5).The drug was eluted from the filter with 0.1 N HCl and analyzed via spectrophotometry (276 nm). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), with p

Results: At position 1, the trend of lower deposition across devices was not significant; however, in position 2, drug delivery with SiPAP was significantly lower compared to both HFNC (p=0.003) and bubble CPAP (p=0.008).Placement of the nebulizer prior to the humidifier increased deposition with all devices (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Aerosol can be delivered via all three devices used in this study; however, delivery efficiency of HFNC is better than the other CPAP devices tested. Device selection and nebulizer position impacted aerosol delivery in this simulated model of a spontaneously breathing preterm infant.

]]>
Fatemah S. SunbulThe Effect of Aerosol Devices and Administration Techniques on Drug Delivery in a Simulated Spontaneously Breathing Pediatric Model with a Tracheostomyhttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/17
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/17Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:05:19 PDTBackground: Evidence on aerosol delivery via tracheostomy is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerosol device and administration technique on drug delivery in a simulated spontaneously breathing pediatric model with tracheostomy.

Methods: Delivery efficiencies during spontaneous breathing with assisted and unassisted administration techniques were compared using the jet nebulizer (JN- MicroMist), vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN- Aeroneb Solo) and pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI- ProAirHFA). The direct administration of aerosols in spontaneously breathing patients (unassisted technique) was compared to administration of aerosol therapy via a manual resuscitation bag (assisted technique) attached to the aerosol delivery device and synchronized with inspiration. An in-vitro lung model consisted of an uncuffed tracheostomy tube (4.5 mmID) was attached to a collecting filter (Respirgard) which was connected to a dual-chamber test lung (TTL) and a ventilator (Hamilton). The breathing parameters of a 2 years-old child were set at an RR of 25 breaths/min, a Vt of 150 mL, a Ti of 0.8 sec and PIF of 20 L/min. Albuterol sulfate was administered with each nebulizer (2.5 mg/3 ml) and pMDI with spacer (4 puffs, 108 µg/puff). Each aerosol device was tested five times with both administration techniques (n=5). Drug collected on the filter was eluted with 0.1 N HCl and analyzed via spectrophotometry.

Results: The amount of aerosol deposited in the filter was quantified and expressed as inhaled mass and inhaled mass percent. The pMDI with spacer had the highest inhaled mass percent, while the VMN had the highest inhaled mass. The results of this study also found that JN had the least efficient aerosol device used in this study. The trend of higher deposition with unassisted versus assisted administration of aerosol was not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusions: Drug deposited distal to the tracheostomy tube with JN was lesser than either VMN or pMDI. Delivery efficiency was similar with unassisted and assisted aerosol administration technique in this in vitro pediatric model.

]]>
Bshayer R. AlhamadA Survey of Preceptor Training in Clinical Education of Respiratory Care Departments in Selected Hospitals in Metropolitan Atlantahttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/16
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/16Mon, 17 Dec 2012 09:00:30 PST
Preceptorship is the ideal method for teaching students in the healthcare environment. Due to a shortage of staffing, respiratory care students are not often assigned with preceptors, rather they are assigned with respiratory care staff that has minimal to no formal training in education. Therefore, students may not receive appropriate role involvement, decision-making and patient skills experience. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the current methods of preceptor training and evaluate the need for a preceptor-training program according to the education coordinators and respiratory care directors/managers. METHODS Data were acquired through a descriptive survey. The survey was formulated and sent using the online survey generator Zoomerang. The survey was submitted to a convenience sample of department directors, department education coordinators, and staff at clinical affiliates associated with Georgia State University. RESULTS: Thirty-six participants were surveyed with a response rate of 67%. Forty-eight percent were a respiratory director/manager, 35% education coordinator and 9% supervisor. Eighty-six percent of participants work in not-for-profit hospitals. Seventy-nine percent of participants believe there is a need for a standardized preceptor-training program, however, only 64% reported that preceptors receive training prior to receiving students. CONCLUSION: There is a need for a standardized preceptor-training program for respiratory therapists to improve the quality of clinical education provided to respiratory therapy students.
]]>
Tariq AljasserIn-Vitro Comparison of Aerosol Drug Delivery in Pediatrics Using Pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler, Jet Nebulizer, and Vibrating Mesh Nebulizershttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/15
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/15Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:47:34 PSTBackground: Aerosol therapy has been established as an efficient form of drug delivery to pediatric and adult patients with respiratory diseases; however, aerosol delivery to the pediatric population is quite challenging. While some studies compare jet nebulizer (JN), vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN), or JN and pMDI, there is no study comparing these three devices in pediatric and young children. The aim of this study quantifies aerosol deposition using JN, VMN, and pMDI/VHC in a simulated pediatric with active and passive breathing patterns.

Methods: Each aerosol generator was placed between manual resuscitator bag (Ambu SPUR II Disposable Resuscitator, Ambu Inc, Glen Burnie, MD) and infant facemask (Mercury Medical, Cleanwater, FL), which was held tightly against the SAINT model. Breathing parameters used in this study were Vt of 100 mL, RR of 30 breaths/min, and I:E ratio of 1: 1.4. Active and passive breathing patterns were used in this study with aerosol device; active breathing pattern was created using a ventilator (Esprit Ventilator, Respironics/Philips Healthcare, Murrysville, PA) connected to a dual chamber test lung (Michigan Instruments, Grand Rapids, MI), which was attached to an absolute filter (Respirgard II, Vital Signs Colorado Inc, Englewood, CO), to collect aerosolized drug, connected to the SAINT model. Pediatric resuscitator bag was run at 10 L/min of oxygen and attached to aerosol generator with facemask. In passive breathing pattern, SAINT model was attached to test lung and ventilated using the resuscitator bag with the same breathing parameters. Each aerosol device was tested three times (n=3) with each breathing patterns. Drug was eluted from the filter and analyzed using spectrophotometry. The amount of drug deposited on the filter was quantified and expressed as a percentage of the total drug dose. To measure the differences in the inhaled drug mass between JN, VMN, and pMDI/VHC in active or passive breathing, one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) was performed. To quantify the difference in aerosol depositions between the two breathing patterns, independent t-test was performed. A p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results: Although the amount of aerosol deposition with the JN was the same in passive and active breathing without any significant difference, the VMN was more efficient in active breathing than the JN (p = 0.157 and p = 0.729, respectively). pMDI/VHC had the greatest deposition in the simulated spontaneous breathing (p=0.013)

Conclusion: Aerosol treatment may be administered to young children using JN, VMN, or pMDI/VHC combined with resuscitator bag. Using pMDI/VHC with resuscitator bag is the best choice to deliver albuterol in spontaneously breathing children. Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these aerosol generators with different type of resuscitator bag and different breathing parameters.

]]>
Huriah A. Al SultanIn Vitro Evaluation oF Aerosol Drug Delivery With And Without High Flow Nasal Cannula Using Pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler And Jet Nebulizer in Pediatricshttp://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/14
http://scholarworks.gsu.edu/rt_theses/14Wed, 14 Nov 2012 12:40:20 PSTBackground: HFNC system is a novel device used with aerosol therapy and seems to be rapidly accepted. Although there are some studies conducted on HFNC and vibrating mesh nebulizer, the effect of HFNC on aerosol delivery using jet nebulizer or pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) has not been reported. In an effort to examine the effect of HFNC on aerosol deposition, this study was conducted to quantify aerosol drug delivery with or without a HFNC using either pMDI or jet nebulizer.

Methodology: The SAINT model, attached to an absolute filter (Respirgard II, Vital Signs Colorado Inc., Englewood, CO, USA) for aerosol collection, was connected to a pediatric breathing simulator (Harvard Apparatus, Model 613, South Natick, MA, USA). To keep the filter and the SAINT model in upright position to collect aerosolized drug, an elbow adapter was connected between the absolute filter and the breathing simulator. An infant HFNC (Optiflow, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare LTD., Auckland, New Zealand) ran at 3 l/min O2 was attached to the nares of the SAINT model. Breathing parameters used in this study were Vt of 100 mL, RR of 30 breaths/min, and I:E ratio of 1: 1.4. Aerosol drug was administered using: 1) Misty-neb jet nebulizer (Allegiance Healthcare, McGaw Park, Illinois, USA) powered by air at 8 l/min using pediatric aerosol facemask (B&F Medical, Allied Healthcare Products, Saint Louis, MO, USA) to deliver albuterol sulfate (2.5 mg/3 mL NS), and 2) Four actuations of Ventolin HFA pMDI (90 μg/puff) (GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA) combined with VHC (AeroChamber plus with Flow-Vu, Monaghan Medical, Plattsburgh, NY, USA). Aerosol was administered to the model with and without the HFNC and another without (n=3). Drug was collected on an absolute filter, eluted and measured using spectrophotometry. Independent t tests were performed for data analysis. Statistical significance was determined with a p value of <0.05.

Conclusions: Aerosol drug may be administered in pediatrics receiving HFNC therapy using either jet nebulizer or pMDI. However, using pMDI, either with or without HFNC, is the best option. When delivering medical aerosol by mask, whether by jet nebulizer or pMDI, removing HFNC led to an increase in inhaled mass percent. However, the benefit of increased aerosol delivery must be weighed against the risk of lung derecruitment when nasal prongs are removed.